Pee Wee Marquette

Pee Wee Marquette (born William Crayton Marquette in Montgomery, Alabama) was the master of ceremonies at the Birdland jazz club in New York City. Marquette was under four feet tall, most likely three foot nine, and his high enthusiastic voice can be heard making the introductions on Art Blakey's 1954 record "A Night at Birdland". [ [http://www.jazztet.com/BirdlandEnglish.htm Jazzztet] ]

He had a reputation for being mean and demanding "tips" to the point of extortion. An explanation of this system is given by Bobby Hutcherson in an interview. He claims Marquette told him on his first day that he was not needed and that he should "pack your things and get on out of here." This did not occur as he had been asked to play, but Marquette still made Hutcherson's first night playing at the club difficult. Marquette intentionally announced his name wrong to embarrass Hutcherson and blew cigar smoke in his face to further the irritation. However once Marquette was paid his "tip" he announced Hutcherson's name correctly. [ [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/iviews/hutcherson.htm?no_auto=1 All About Jazz] ] This is said to have been a pattern for him and other musicians had similar stories of having to pay him to avoid public humiliation. Perhaps because of this, or because of the era, most musicians who knew him still to refer to him as "a midget."

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